Name:  Physocarpus Sweet Cherry Tea

Type of Plant: A type of ninebark shrub that has dark purple-to-bronze foliage and pinkish/white flowers in early June.

Why I Love This Plant: There are SO many reasons to love this shrub! First of all, the Physocarpus are native shrubs in North America. Secondly, Sweet Cherry Tea is one of the varieties that has colorful foliage, so whether it’s in flower or not, it brings a great deal of excitement to the garden party. Of course, we can’t overlook the fact that this ninebark is the first to put out some new flowers later in the summer and it doesn’t grow as large as many Physocarpus shrubs do.

But wait, there’s more! (She writes, smiling and knowing she’s quoting infomercial speak.) Great texture, fountain shaped, and no pruning required unless you’re removing any random dead pieces. So, when it’s placed in the right sunny location, where it can grow to 4 feet tall and wide, this plant is the definition of low maintenance.

A Word to the Wise:  Place this shrub in full sun gardens with good drainage. This would also be a great shrub for a large container that stays outdoors in Zones 5 and above, since as in in-ground plant it’s hardy to a Zone 3.

Physocarpus is a native shrub commonly called ninebark. Sweet Cherry Tea is special in that it’s smaller, finer leaves, and it puts out some secondary flowers later in the summer. Do not shear or otherwise prune this plant! Let it grow in the natural shape.

The flowers on Sweet Cherry Tea Physocarpus are pinkish white and amazing in June.

This smaller shrub flowers in June. Plant it in full sun, and let it grow to be the four feet tall and wide plant it wants to be.